International rankings place Singapore among the top three most expensive cities to live in. At the same time, a local survey by entrepreneurship experts e27 reported that 30 per cent of startups here fail within the first two to five years.
But when Aqilah was 10, she lost her older sister to cerebral palsy. “I never had any more dreams after because I was consumed by grief,” she told CNA Women, adding that she later grew up favouring “quiet play”. Studio Gypsied's rack at Design Orchard comprises both ready-to-wear apparel and designs for pre-order.
Studio Gypsied, which started out selling clothes, bags and even notebooks featuring Aqilah’s hand-drawn batik designs inspired by her Javanese heritage, has evolved over the years into a decidedly “slow fashion” apparel brand. Among the challenges she has faced: Finding production houses willing to produce in small quantities, as well as educating customers on why her clothes are priced at a premium and why they have to wait weeks for their purchase to finally reach their doorstep.
“I have a passion for telling the stories of people who are lesser-heard and lesser-known, though I am naturally drawn to stories of women,” said Aqilah.Like Aqilah, Randall Chong did not start out wanting to help improve gender equity. In fact, he was scarcely aware that it was a problem – until a friend gave him a book for Christmas in 2016.
Chong, who admitted he had never been one for risk-taking, took it as a personal challenge and in December the following year, took a sabbatical from work and embarked on a solo trek across the Himalayas. His goal? To reach the Mount Everest Base Camp. Among them: Long shifts in carpet, brick and garment factories, domestic work for the more affluent and serving customers in bars and clubs.Having witnessed much of this first-hand, Chong knew he needed to help and could tap on his business education and experience to do so.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chong persisted, choosing not to pay himself a salary, and dedicated 100 per cent of his net profit towards his cause.The hole-in-the-wall bookstore quickly became a viral sensation.